How Long Does A Metal Roof Last in Florida?

With the proper installation and quality materials, a metal roof in Florida will last far longer than asphalt shingles or any other roofing systems. Some will last upwards of 50 - 70 years. Continue reading to learn more about the life expectancy of different types of metal roofs, which types last the longest and average lifespans compared with traditional options available in Florida.

Weather Conditions

There are few places like South Florida, particularly Miami, Broward and Palm Beaches, with regards to the harsh weather conditions the region faces. The southernmost areas experience extreme heat and tropical storms with wind speeds up to 200 miles an hour. During hurricane season, extreme weather conditions batter the roof's surface. Even a typical strong afternoon storm with heavy rains can cause problems if your roofing material has previous hurricane damage. Types of damage we see may be from tree branches and other debris that have created the opportunity for light-to-severe water damage.

For these reasons, roofing systems that withstand high winds and damage are necessary to keep the home safe from these harsh elements. Most homeowners are now looking to replace their older shingle roofs with new roofs made of metal. Of all the roofing materials, metal provides the most durable and long-lasting solution. However, it is important to note that not all metal roofs are the same.

Metal Roofing Average LifeSpan

The average lifespan of a metal roof can range from as little as 20 years to as much as 50-70 years depending on one main factor; metal screws. A traditional metal roof system has exposed screws that anchor the metal panels to the roof deck. The problem with anchoring the roofing panels this way is that over time these screws can get damaged and become loose, causing an entryway for water to get into the home.

Other Factors That Influence A Roof's Lifespan

Proximity to the ocean is another factor that can affect a metal roof's lifespan. Salt spray can dramatically increase the corrosion on the metal components. Exposed screws and cheaply coated steel panels will degrade quickly.

Obviously, proper installation is important as well. Engineering for a metal roof in Miami, Broward, and the Palm Beaches is based on the roofing contractor adhering to the specifications in the engineering documents. Sadly, many contractors take shortcuts or worse, which lowers the ability of the metal roof to resist the weather conditions.

Standing Seam Metal Roofs and Their Average Life Expectancy

Standing seam metal roofing was created to mitigate the issues that exposed screws have. A standing seam roofing system has no exposed screws, protecting the fasteners from corrosion. A standing seam metal roof can have an impressive lifespan of 50-70 years with little-to-no maintenance.

These metal roof systems are typically made of galvanized steel blended with aluminum and zinc. The addition of zinc and aluminum helps resist corrosion of the metal roof panels.

A high-quality coil coating and supply company like Englert will coat their steel roofs with a painted finish that reflects heat and assists with corrosion. They offer 35-year warranties for this finish.

Proper Maintenance of A Metal Roof with Exposed Screws

Exposed screw systems require much higher maintenance costs as it is important that the screws on these roofing systems are inspected periodically for potential failures. With proper care and regular maintenance, exposed screw roofs can last a long time but the cost of this maintenance should be factored into your decision-making. And if you don't stay on top of your roof's maintenance, then you can expect a much shorter life expectancy and a higher rate of long-term issues with the integrity this type of metal roofing.

High-Quality Materials Are A Must

The bottom line is that metal roofs are the more expensive option in the marketplace but this is for a reason. Ultimately, when compared to asphalt shingles and tile roofs, they are the longer-lasting, more durable option. Over time this type of roof will last longer, require less maintenance, and easily outlast asphalt shingles.

Maintenance Issues With Tile Roofs

Roof tiles can crack easily leading to exposure of the roof deck to the elements that will slowly damage your roof and home over time. This will then need to be repaired which can cost thousands of dollars as wood decking needs to be replaced requiring a section of the tile to be removed.

There is also the potential for dangerous mold if the water penetration is not taken care of quickly. This can also be very expensive to fix. A tile roof should have a frequent professional roof inspection, particularly after a major hurricane in order to assess if the roof system has been compromised in any way.

Clay tiles and concrete tiles are also very heavy and water damage to decking and trusses can begin to cause the roof to sag over the lifetime of the home. Truss repairs can be very expensive and many roofing contractors do not even do this work. Metal roofs are much lighter than tile roofs and minimizes this particular type of damage with proper installation by the roofing contractor.

Asphalt Shingle Roofs

Shingles also have a lot of problems. Harsh weather and strong storms will strip off the asphalt coating which can allow water to penetrate through. In addition, strong winds will uplift roof shingles and the roof will leak. A typical shingle roof in Miami will last at a minimum of 15 years and at the most 25 years if installed with a protective water barrier underneath.

Little-to-No Maintenance

Not only do metal roofs last longer, but they do not require routine maintenance unless the metal roof has an exposed fastener system. Exposed fastener systems should be checked frequently.

Standing seam, however, does not have this issue. Steel and zinc roofs resist corrosion, particularly if the paint stays intact over time with minimal scratches.

Energy Savings

There is also the additional benefit of the metal roof replacement which is the lowering of cooling costs. A homeowner with a high-quality metal roof will allow the homeowner to save money because their air conditioner will not need to work as hard to keep the property cool so the AC unit will last longer before needing a replacement.

If you are looking to replace your existing roof, get a free quote from Pro-Form Roofing today and upgrade your home to metal. We have the highest quality standing seam from Englert and metal tile from Worthouse that carries a 50-year limited warranty from the manufacturer.